In a very short amount of time, advancements in digital technology have changed the way we live. In the not so distant past, forgetting your wallet meant a U-turn straight back home. Today, with a few swipes, taps or clicks on your smartphone, you can prove your identity, make a money transfer, sign a banking contract, order a ride, go shopping and dine out with friends. The trust of consumers is the basis for any form of transaction. But how can we ensure this effortless swiping doesn’t fall into the wrong hands?

The number of smartphone users will exceed 6 billion by 2020 – and for good reason. These mobile devices put an incredible amount of information in the palm of our hands: our schedules, banking details, emails, and anything else we might need. While technology responds to new connectivity challenges and opportunities – particularly with the growing IoT market – heightened protection of our digital identities is needed more than ever.

We have experienced tremendous technological advancements in recent times. Electronic devices that were once isolated are now connected and can be operated from anywhere in the world. And it’s no longer just humans interacting with technology, electronic equipment now interacts with other equipment. From wearables and personal computers to domestic appliances and industrial machinery, connectivity is changing our lives and our world.

A person’s identity is precious. One could argue that it is the second most precious thing after life itself. It allows us to exist in the eyes of society as well as to take an active part in it: access education and health services or open a bank account. As such, throughout our lifetime, we need a trusted identity that can be used anywhere, anytime – whether in real life or online.

Travel isn’t what it used to be! People today are in constant motion – moving faster and traveling further than ever before. While this spike in movement around the globe brings our societies closer, it also generates new demands for increased efficiency and safety for public authorities.